A viral video of a weekend trek to Harihar Fort — one of India’s most perilous hiking trails — has triggered widespread concern online. Known for its steep, narrow rock-cut steps and risky terrain, the fort becomes even more dangerous during the monsoon.Despite the danger, recent footage shows a massive crowd thronging the path, with hundreds of trekkers packed tightly along the vertical stone staircase. Some were even seen clinging to rocks on the side, risking a fatal fall.

The video was shared by an X user, Woke Eminent, who warned: “Another major incident waiting to happen? Harihar Fort weekend crowd surge is a death trap! This needs to be stopped or moderated. One small stampede or someone losing balance could trigger a chain reaction — hundreds could fall to their deaths. Tag relevant authorities to alert them.”

Another user questioned how the situation was allowed to escalate, writing: “The Forest Department in Nashik controls it and even charges a fee. They had set a 300-visitors-per-day limit, but that wasn’t enforced. Now, after last week's video went viral, they've reportedly restricted tourist entry — but what action has been taken against officials who failed to act?”

Some blamed tourists for ignoring obvious dangers. One wrote: “I was recently in Bali at Kelingking Beach — similar terrain, crowded too. Authorities can’t intervene everywhere. People need to use common sense and avoid dangerous situations on their own. Expecting the government to guardrail every risk will only make us dumber.”

Another added: “Hidden gems should stay hidden. This is what happens when they go viral. I urge people not to share locations of sensitive spots like this.”This outcry comes just weeks after a tragic stampede killed 11 people outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 win — a reminder of how quickly crowd mismanagement can turn deadly.